News

Cobram residents encouraged to have their say on hospital plan

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy is encouraging Cobram residents to have their say on a proposal to join together the Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah health services.

Mr McCurdy said the plan aims to bring the hospitals together to improve access to care for local communities.

“Good quality health services are so very important to our local communities and need to best serve residents,” Mr McCurdy.

“I encourage Cobram residents to attend the upcoming community consultation session so they can provide their input to the plan.

“I support this proposal which aims to combine the management and governance of the three organisations under one entity, pending Ministerial approval.”

Mr McCurdy said public feedback would confirm priorities and shape the future of health care in the region.

“They want to know what is important to staff and the community to inform how the new entity will operate.”

The three organisations are currently operating as separate entities and the boards of management are governing each health service independently.

The Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah health services indicate the existing facilities will remain in place, in their current locations and that current services will be maintained and enhanced to improve access and deliver the best possible health care locally. There will be no reduction in services, staffing or funding in relation to the collaboration initiative.

The consultation session will be held on Tuesday 5 February from 6.30-8.30pm at the Cobram Uniting Church Hall, 4/10 Hay Avenue Cobram.